Geelong have revealed midfielder George Horlin-Smith fractured his thumb moments before booting the winning goal in their one-point win over North Melbourne.
The 24-year-old has undergone surgery and will miss the Cats' AFL clash with Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
"It was in the last contest. The adrenaline was pumping and he didn't think it was too bad, especially after he kicked that goal," Geelong coach Chris Scott said on Wednesday.
"It's really unfortunate. It seemed after the game as if it was something minor that he wouldn't need too much intervention with but as it turned out, although it is minor, he does need that week off."
Scott said Sam Menegola would be considered to replace Horlin-Smith after starring in the VFL, as will Jed Bews who was an emergency against the Kangaroos.
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But Cam Guthrie is no certainty to be named despite Scott being optimistic the important midfielder has recovered from a calf injury.
With Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn in ominous form to start the season, the Cats will also consider bolstering their ruck stocks.
The combination of Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs struggled to break even against Fremantle's Aaron Sandilands and North Melbourne's Braydon Preuss, raising the prospect that Zac Smith will be added as a third tall.
"Gawn obviously presents some challenges and if (Jake) Spencer comes in then there's another one, so that's something that we'll strongly consider," Scott said.
With both sides looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season, Melbourne will be missing stars Jordan Lewis and Jesse Hogan after they were suspended for striking during their win over Carlton.
Scott said their absence would make the Demons harder to predict but that didn't mean they would be easier to beat.
"I think it's only logical to acknowledge that they've been really important players for them," he said.
"Hogan might be the best young player in the comp, and Lewis has certainly added something but they don't want for midfield depth.
"Obviously they have some gears in the way they play. They're not always manic with the ball but if they do get some opportunity to use their numbers around the contest, they can attack very well.
"We still don't see too many holes in the team. They're going to be really hard to beat."
